What causes pelvic pain when sitting down. How can you identify if sitting is triggering your pelvic discomfort. What are the most effective treatment options for pelvic pain. When should you seek medical help for pelvic pain symptoms.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain While Seated

Pelvic pain when sitting can stem from various sources within the complex network of muscles, bones, joints, and soft tissues in the lower abdominal region. Some of the most frequent culprits include:

• Prolonged sedentary behavior
• Poor posture
• Muscle weakness or imbalances
• Nerve compression
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Underlying medical conditions like endometriosis or prostatitis

Understanding the root cause is crucial for effective treatment. While occasional discomfort may be normal, persistent or severe pain warrants professional evaluation.

Recognizing Pelvic Pain Related to Sitting

How can you determine if your pelvic pain is linked to prolonged sitting? Look out for these telltale signs:

• Sharp pain in the lower back that intensifies when seated
• Persistent discomfort in the back and pelvic region
• Stiffness and pain radiating through the core, back, and hips
• Pain that extends from the lower back down to the feet
• Muscle spasms in the lower back and pelvis, especially when standing up

While these symptoms suggest a connection to sitting, only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. If you experience any of these signs regularly, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

Effective Treatment Approaches for Pelvic Pain

Addressing pelvic pain often requires a multifaceted approach. Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, offering various techniques to alleviate discomfort and improve function:

• Therapeutic exercises and stretches
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Posture correction guidance
• Balance exercises
• Patient education on pain management strategies

These interventions aim to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and correct postural issues that may contribute to pelvic pain.

Can lifestyle changes help manage pelvic pain?

Absolutely. In addition to professional treatment, making certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact pelvic pain management:

1. Increasing physical activity: Regular exercise helps combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, strengthening muscles and improving overall pelvic health.
2. Weight management: Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces strain on the pelvic region, potentially alleviating pain when sitting.
3. Ergonomic improvements: Optimizing your workspace and seating arrangements can help maintain proper posture and reduce pelvic stress.
4. Stress reduction techniques: Practices like mindfulness and yoga can help manage pain perception and reduce muscle tension.

When to Seek Professional Help for Pelvic Pain

While occasional discomfort may not be cause for alarm, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Pain accompanied by fever, nausea, or unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel or bladder function
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Early intervention can prevent the progression of underlying conditions and improve treatment outcomes.

Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) refers to persistent pain in the pelvic region lasting for six months or more. This condition affects a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting that up to 20% of women experience CPPS at some point in their lives.

What are the challenges in diagnosing CPPS?

Diagnosing CPPS can be complex due to several factors:

• Multiple potential causes, often overlapping
• Varied symptom presentation among individuals
• Lack of awareness among both patients and some healthcare providers
• Stigma surrounding pelvic pain, particularly related to menstrual issues

These challenges can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, prolonging suffering for many individuals. Awareness and education are crucial in addressing this issue.

Exploring Specific Conditions Causing Pelvic Pain

Several medical conditions can contribute to pelvic pain when sitting. Understanding these potential causes can help guide diagnosis and treatment:

Endometriosis

This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Symptoms may include:

• Severe menstrual cramps
• Pain during intercourse
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

This refers to the inability to correctly relax and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles. Signs include:

• Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
• Pain in the pelvic region, genitals, or rectum
• Painful intercourse
• Lower back pain

Interstitial Cystitis

Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this condition causes:

• Pelvic pain
• Pressure in the bladder area
• Frequent urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse

The Role of Physical Therapy in Pelvic Pain Management

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing pelvic pain, offering non-invasive treatments that can significantly improve quality of life. Here’s how physical therapy can help:

Manual Therapy Techniques

Physical therapists use hands-on techniques to address muscle tension and improve tissue mobility:

• Myofascial release
• Trigger point therapy
• Gentle stretching

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening and relaxation exercises for the pelvic floor muscles can help alleviate pain and improve function:

• Kegel exercises
• Pelvic tilts
• Diaphragmatic breathing

Postural Education

Improving posture can reduce strain on the pelvic region:

• Proper sitting and standing techniques
• Ergonomic adjustments for work and home environments
• Body mechanics for lifting and daily activities

Pain Management Strategies

Physical therapists can teach various pain management techniques:

• Heat and cold therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Pain neuroscience education

Innovative Treatments for Persistent Pelvic Pain

As research in pelvic health advances, new treatment options are emerging for those with persistent pain:

Biofeedback Therapy

This technique uses sensors to provide visual or auditory feedback about muscle tension, helping patients learn to relax overactive muscles.

Nerve Stimulation Therapies

Methods like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) can help modulate pain signals.

Mindfulness-Based Pain Management

Incorporating mindfulness techniques into pain management strategies can help reduce pain perception and improve coping skills.

Regenerative Medicine

Emerging treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections show promise in promoting healing and reducing pain in some cases of pelvic dysfunction.

Navigating the Healthcare System with Pelvic Pain

Seeking help for pelvic pain can be challenging, but understanding how to navigate the healthcare system can lead to better outcomes:

Finding the Right Healthcare Provider

Look for professionals specializing in pelvic health:

• Urogynecologists
• Pelvic floor physical therapists
• Pain management specialists

Preparing for Your Appointment

To make the most of your medical visits:

• Keep a pain diary documenting symptoms, triggers, and relief measures
• Prepare a list of questions and concerns
• Bring relevant medical records and test results

Advocating for Your Health

Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions or request referrals to specialists if you feel your concerns aren’t being adequately addressed.

Remember, pelvic pain is a complex issue that often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Be patient with the process and stay committed to finding the right treatment plan for your individual needs.

Pelvic Pain When Sitting Down | Causes

Due to hurricane damage, the Havelock location is closed until further notice. Havelock therapists Hannah Zhang, Sarah Hall and Judy Hickes are available to see patients at the New Bern location. Please call the New Bern location at (252) 636-9800 to discuss your care.

The pelvic region contains many muscles, bones, joints and soft tissue that all work in coordination to support the organs in your lower abdomen and to power movements in your waist and legs. Pain in this region when sitting down can keep you from getting proper rest or enjoying your favorite activities, like recreational sports or playing with your children or grandchildren. It’s important to seek treatment for this type of pain to help you improve your quality of life.

How do I know if sitting down is causing my pelvic pain?

Sitting down for long periods of time often leads to back or pelvic pain, especially if you don’t exercise frequently. Some signs your pelvic pain might be related to prolonged sitting include: 

• Sharp pain in your back
• Long-lasting pain in your back and pelvic region
• Pain and stiffness in your core, back and hips
• Pain that spreads from the lower back into your feet
• Muscle spasms in your lower back and pelvis, especially when straightening yourself

Only a health care professional can provide a proper diagnosis of your pain. If you have any of these symptoms and suspect you have pelvic pain that requires professional treatment, please visit a health care professional for assistance.

Treatment for pelvic pain

Many people with pelvic pain visit a physical therapist for treatment. Our physical therapists specialize in treatments that help reduce and prevent pelvic pain, using methods like:

• Therapeutic exercises and stretches
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Posture guidance
• Balance exercises
• Patient education and more

In addition to visiting a physical therapist for treatment, you can also make some adjustments in your life to help reduce and prevent pelvic pain when sitting down, including:

• Getting more active — A sedentary lifestyle leads to weak and stiff muscles that are more prone to pain and injury. Some simple daily exercises, like going for a walk or swimming, can help prevent pelvic pain.
• Losing weight — Excess body weight strains the pelvic region, leading to an increase of pain when sitting down. Dieting and exercising can help you maintain a healthy body weight to reduce your chances of developing pelvic pain and other issues.

Visit Peak Performance Sports & Physical Therapy for pelvic pain treatment

Are you suffering from pelvic pain when sitting down or even when standing or trying to enjoy physical activities? Our physical therapists at Peak Performance can provide a personalized treatment routine to help you manage your pain. Contact our team today for more information about pelvic pain or to schedule an initial appointment.

Pelvic pain: know the different causes and when to seek…

Medical & health articles

2 Aug 2022

Pain that is felt in your lower belly and above your legs is called pelvic pain. The pelvis is an important part of the body because it is home to organs like your bowel, bladder, ovaries, uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes. There are many causes for pain in this area.

There may be problems with the skin, the muscles, the nerves, or the organs themselves. Sometimes the pain can come from more than one source. It’s important to understand the differences between the common causes of pelvic pain. It will help you to learn what is normal, what is not, and when you should seek medical help.

Persistent pelvic pain, sometimes called chronic pelvic pain, is pain that is present on most days for six months or more. It is estimated that about one in five women in Australia will experience this sort of pain. The actual number of women suffering from persistent pelvic pain may be even higher because as Jean Hailes gynaecologist Dr Janine Manwaring points out, the journey to getting the correct diagnosis can be a bumpy one.

She believes there is a lack of education about persistent pelvic pain – not just in the general community, but also in the medical community.

“There are many misconceptions about pelvic pain, particularly period pain,” Dr Manwaring explains.

“Pain can be downplayed by both doctors and by other women within the family. A lot of it comes down to getting the right information and knowing who the right people are to get in touch with.”

Jean Hailes gynaecologist Dr Janine Manwaring

So here are some of the conditions that can cause persistent pelvic pain, tips on how to spot the differences between them, and advice on when you need to see a trusted doctor.

Period pain

Period pain is a very common pain for people who get periods. Although the research varies on how common it actually is, one Australian study suggested it affected 93% of menstruating senior high school students.

The pain occurs when the muscles of the uterus (womb) contract or tighten. It often feels like cramping or a heaviness in the pelvic area, lower back or stomach. Despite it being a common feature of getting your period, if the pain is severe, it could be an indicator of something more serious, such as endometriosis.

Dr Mainwaring explains: “If your pain lasts longer than the first one or two days of your period, if it does not improve with period pain medications and/or the Pill, or if it’s stopping your from going about your normal daily activities, then you should see your GP.”

Jean Hailes gynaecologist Dr Pav Nanayakkara says that many people accept this sort of pain as ‘normal’ without questioning it. “But if you find yourself planning your work, study or your holidays around your period, then you might want to think about talking to your doctor to ensure that nothing else is going on,” she adds.

Read more about period pain.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis (pronounced end-o-me-tree-oh-sis) is a condition that affects the female reproductive organs, and is often linked to pelvic pain.

In someone with endometriosis, cells like those that line the uterus (the endometrium) grow in other parts of the body – typically in the pelvic area such as the lining of the pelvis (peritoneum), on the bowel, bladder or ovaries.

These cells undergo the same menstrual changes as those inside the uterus. However, unlike period blood, these cells have no means of escape and so they build up. This results in pain, scarring and inflammation.

Three in every four women with endometriosis will experience pain. The pain can occur immediately before your period, during your period, or during or after sex. The pain can be felt in the pelvis, the abdomen (belly), the back, when you pass wind, wee, or poo, or when you ovulate.

Read more about endometriosis.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis (pronounced add-en-o-my-oh-sis) is often called the ‘sister’ condition of endometriosis because it also involves abnormal cell growth. However, in this instance the cells grow into the muscle wall of the uterus.

The symptoms – quite like those for endometriosis – include abnormal or heavy period bleeding, painful periods (often after years without pain), and painful sex.

Read more about adenomyosis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The exact cause of IBS is still not fully understood. It is believed that the muscle wall of the bowel becomes sensitive and contracts unevenly, resulting in pain and bloating. This type of pelvic pain usually improves after passing wind or stool (poo). IBS is often managed by avoiding potential food triggers and trying to reduce stress.

“However, if you see blood in your poo (bleeding may appear as bright red blood on the toilet paper, or a black colour in the poo), or if you experience extreme diarrhoea, incontinence or unexplained weight loss, see your GP,” advises Dr Manwaring.

“The difficulty with IBS is that it is often a ‘diagnosis of exclusion’”, says Dr Nanayakkara. This means that it can only be said to be IBS after other conditions with similar symptoms are ruled out. The diagnosis is commonly made by a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specialises in treating digestive disorders).

Read more about IBS.

Pelvic muscle pain

The muscles in the pelvis can spasm (contract) and cause pain as a result of period pain, or any pain that occurs in the pelvic area. The pain can then change from pain that comes and goes, to pain that is more constant.

According to Dr Manwaring, pelvic muscle pain can feel like you have an ongoing cramp in your pelvic area. “The pain can also be sharp or stabbing and shoot up the vagina or rectum,” she explains. “You might have pain with sex or using tampons, which can last for hours afterwards.

“Pelvic muscle pain often gets worse with exercise, especially core-strengthening exercises such as Pilates, sit-ups or crunches. Women can often find some relief by lying in the foetal position, using a heat pack, doing pelvic muscle stretches (visit pelvicpain.org.au) and seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist.”

Bladder pain & urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs, which affect over 50% of women, are another common cause of pelvic pain. Symptoms can include a burning sensation when passing wee and/or lower abdominal pain.

They may be common but if left untreated, UTIs can develop into more serious kidney infections. If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours and include fever, chills, back pain, nausea or vomiting, see your doctor immediately.

Read our guide to UTIs.

Another bladder condition is painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). Unlike a UTI, there is irritation but no infection.

Dr Manwaring suggests seeing your GP if you have troublesome bladder symptoms regularly, such as:

• needing to empty your bladder more than 8-10 times during the day
• needing to empty your bladder more than once a night
• pain with full bladder which improves with emptying
• pain with sex or intercourse
• a sense of urgency to urinate.

Read more on bladder pain on the Pelvic Pain Foundation website.

Vulval pain

Vulva is the name of the external parts of the female genitals. Vulval pain can be caused by irritation, infections, inflammatory skin conditions, tissue damage related to surgery or childbirth and other causes.

Many women assume that vulval pain and irritation is due to candida (thrush). However, there are many causes. Getting the right treatment will depend on getting the correct diagnosis.

Read more on vulval irritation.

Vulvodynia (pronounced vul-vo-din-ia) is a chronic condition that can last for months or years. It is associated with pain, discomfort or a burning sensation in the vulva that cannot be linked to a specific cause. The pain can be triggered by touch. It can be felt in one area of the vulva or across the whole area.

The pain can be so severe for some women that using tampons, having sex or even sitting down for long periods is very difficult, even impossible.

Read more on vulvodynia.

Key advice for persistent pelvic pain

It can be a confusing time for people affected by persistent pelvic pain, so Dr Manwaring has five key pieces of advice.

1. If you feel you are not being heard by your doctor or health professional, do not be afraid to seek a second opinion.
2. A multidisciplinary team (one made up of experts in different fields) has been shown to be the best for managing persistent pelvic pain. Chronic pain is not just the immediate pain, but also involves and affects a number of areas of health and life, so approaching it from different angles and treating the whole person is crucial. The multidisciplinary team can include a specialist women’s health GP, a gynaecologist, a a pain specialist, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a sexual counsellor, a naturopath and other complementary therapists.
3. Keep track of your symptoms in a form that is easy and accessible for you. Jean Hailes has an excellent Period pain & symptom diary that you can download for free. Writing down your symptoms and treatments can be helpful when talking to different health professionals. It can also help you to work out if you are making progress.
4. Source reliable health material and self-care strategies. There is a lot of information on pain management on the internet and in chat forums. Try to focus on advice and information that is based on evidence and comes from a reliable source.
5. Always remember that you are not alone. Sometimes pelvic pain conditions can be difficult to manage, and it can feel like other people cannot relate to them because your pain cannot be seen. But don’t feel like you can’t seek help; there are people who will listen to you and take you and your symptoms seriously.

Learn more about persistent pelvic pain – what can cause it, how to describe it and what you can do.

Start exploring

References

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  Parker MA, Sneddon AE, Arbon P. The menstrual disorder of teenagers (MDOT) study: determining typical menstrual patterns and menstrual disturbance in a large population-based study of Australian teenagers: The MDOT study. BJOG. 2010;117(2):185–92.

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  Ju H, Jones M, Mishra G. The prevalence and risk factors of dysmenorrhea. Epidemiol Rev. 2014;36(1):104–13.

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  Nabi MY, Nauhria S, Reel M, Londono S, Vasireddi A, Elmiry M, et al. Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:914356.

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  Dason S, Dason JT, Kapoor A. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of recurrent urinary tract infection in women. Can Urol Assoc J. 2011;5(5):316–22.

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  Epp A, Sk S, Larochelle A, Lambert S, Walter J-E, Girouard L, et al. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection. SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline. 2010;32(11):1082-1090.

Last updated: 06 June 2023
| Last reviewed: 02 August 2022

Pain when sitting – General information, Causes. Tomsk

General information

Sitting is quite a harmful activity for our body, since at this time the spine is loaded more than when standing. But the increased load is not all, because many people have to sit in the most harmful position, leaning forward. In this position, the edges of the vertebrae pinch the intervertebral disc. When sitting, the pressure on the outer edge of the disc increases 11 times!

Causes of pain when sitting

The most common causes of pain when sitting:

• Coccygeal pain. The disease consists mainly of severe pain felt in the coccygeal region, in the lowest part of the spine. The pains are aggravated by sitting, walking, straining the abdominal muscles, and often spread to the perineum, thighs and lower abdomen.

• Sciatica (pain with inflammation of the sciatic nerve). The sciatic nerve branches from the spine to the lower extremities. When sitting on a hard chair or using a tight belt, compression of the upper sections of the nerve and the appearance of a sudden sharp pain below, along the nerve, in the legs may occur.

Acute back pain of varying intensity occurs in 80-100% of the population. 20% of adults have intermittent, recurrent back pain lasting 3 days or more. It has been established that the pressure between the intervertebral discs increases by 200% when changing the position of the body from a lying position to a vertical one and by 400% when sitting in a comfortable chair.

Lumbodynia occurs after significant physical exertion, prolonged uncomfortable posture, shaky driving, hypothermia. Clinically accompanied by dull aching pain, aggravated by a change in body position (bending, sitting, walking). The pain may radiate to the buttock and leg. Changes in statics are less pronounced than in lumbago. Movement in the lumbar region is difficult, but the restriction is insignificant. Soreness is determined when probing the spinous processes and interspinous ligaments at the level of the lesion. When bending back, the pain disappears, when bending forward, there is a sharp back muscle tension . Patellar reflexes and reflexes from the heel tendons are preserved. The process is often subacute or chronic.

Squatting and deep bending of the knees place extremely high stress on the joints. As a result, ruptures of cartilage and tendons of the quadriceps femoris can occur. For some people, when squatting for a long time, this is why there are joint pains that last for a very long time.

Patellofemoral pain

Patellofemoral pain refers to the development of pain along the anterior surface of the knee joint, which increases with additional load on the knee-patellar joint (the joint formed by the kneecap (patella) and the underlying part of the femur bones – femure ). When this pain is accompanied by a change in the tissue (cartilage) of the inner surface of the patella, the term chondromalacia patella is used.

Characteristic symptoms of are pain along the anterior surface of the knee joint, worse with exertion, such as running, climbing or descending stairs, squatting or jumping. The pain is also aggravated by sitting with bent legs.

Prostatitis

A common symptom of prostatitis is back pain. Pain with prostatitis is so persistent or severe that they do not let you sleep, interfere with sexual life, every minute creating a lot of inconvenience. The pain of prostatitis can increase during urination, while sitting, during sexual abstinence, or, conversely, during sexual contact – in general, there is not a single “free from pain” moment in life.

If you often experience pain while sitting, seek help from a neurologist or urologist. In case of injuries in this area, a traumatologist will help. The doctor will diagnose the body and prescribe treatment.

Low back pain – causes, examination and treatment | Symptoms

Sprains
Signs: Pain, which often occurs on one side of the back, increases with movement and decreases with rest, usually begins after lifting objects, bending or twisting.

Osteoarthritis (sometimes with spinal nerve root compression)
Signs: Localized midline back pain that worsens when standing up, improves when sitting, spreads down the leg, accompanied by numbness and/or weakness, usually seen in older adults with pain and/or deformities of other joints.

Compression fractures
Signs: Back pain in the midline, which sometimes begins suddenly. Usually in older people or patients with osteoporosis.

Herniated disc ( Herniated disc)
Signs: Midline back pain that usually radiates down the leg, is accompanied by numbness and/or weakness, and is aggravated by coughing, sneezing, or leaning forward.

Lumbar spinal stenosis
Signs: Midline back pain that worsens with straightening of the spine (as when walking or leaning back), relieved by leaning forward or sitting, may radiate to one or both legs, usually seen in older people.

Spondylolisthesis (sometimes with spinal nerve root compression)
Signs: Back pain, which is sometimes unilateral in adolescents, spreads down the leg and may accompany a fracture; in adults, it is located in the midline, extends down both legs and includes tissue degeneration, accompanied by numbness and/or weakness, aggravated by standing up or bending back. In adolescents, it is often associated with a fracture, and in adults it is associated with degeneration.

Fibromyalgia
Signs: Pain and stiffness in various parts of the body (not only in the lower back). Painful areas sensitive to touch. Often bad sleep. Most often observed in women from 20 to 50 years.

Ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine and large joints)
Signs: Stiffness, often aggravated immediately after waking up. A progressive deterioration in the flexibility of the back often leads to hunchback. Sometimes soreness and redness of the eyes and/or pain in other joints. Often in young men.

Cauda equina syndrome
Signs: Numbness in the groin area. Urinary incontinence and/or fecal incontinence.

Herpes zoster
Signs: Pain in a patch of skin on the right or left side, but not on both sides. Usually blisters that appear on the painful area of ​​the skin a few days after the pain occurs.